In 2015, an expert clinical review by the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland concluded that change was needed at both Southampton and Portsmouth hospitals to ensure safe, high quality vascular services and to meet the requirement to provide seven-day working across the NHS.Their report recommended the best way of securing resilient services would be the creation of one Wessex Vascular Network. Our doctors agree. Together they have developed a plan which they believe will create a world class service in Southern Hampshire.They believe that by concentrating emergency, major and more complex cases at Southampton hospital, with support services available at Portsmouth, Isle of Wight and Winchester, will bring about major benefits for patients. In practice, it will create a stronger network of vascular services across Southern Hampshire, ensuring that there are more doctors with the right specialist skills to treat patients 24/7.Do you rely on these services, or have you used them in the past? They want to hear from patients, relatives, carers and the public across Southern Hampshire, so that they can make any changes work in the best interests of patients.Join the discussion – attend a Listening EventA series of “listening” events for local people, patients, carers and relatives who have an interest in vascular issues are being held in May.This is an opportunity to hear from NHS England and local vascular surgeons about proposals to change local vascular services. These are drop in events and everyone is welcome:

http://haveyoursaywinchester.eventbrite.co.ukPatient Reference GroupNHS England, working together with the hospitals and local clinical commissioning groups (led by GPs) is keen to involve patients who have an interest in or have used vascular services, which is why we are setting up a patient reference group.The aim of the Patient Reference Group is to ensure that patients’ views are incorporated into the development of vascular services and to help ensure we understand how the changes can meet patients’ needs.Please let Costin Matei (cmatei@nhs.net) know if you would be interested in being part of this Group by Monday, 16 May 2016Have your say onlineIf you’re unable to attend one of the listening events, or would prefer to have your say online visit: www.engage.england.nhs.ukFor more information about the plans visit: www.england.nhs.uk/south/2016/04/29/vascular-services-2/Closing date for comments 19 May 2016